Cannabis edibles have a long and colorful history that spans centuries and cultures. From ancient Indian bhang to the modern-day pot brownie, these tasty treats have been a part of human life for thousands of years. Let's take a fun and easy-to-read trip through the history of cannabis edibles!

Ancient Origins: Early Experiments with Cannabis

Imagine being one of the first humans, about 50,000 years ago, wandering around and trying different plants to see what’s edible. It's almost certain that someone back then found a sticky cannabis flower, tried it, and discovered its unique effects.

Bhang in India: One of the earliest known cannabis edibles comes from India around 1000 BCE. Bhang is a drink made by mixing cannabis with yogurt, nuts, spices, and rose water. It’s traditionally consumed during the Hindu festival of Holi, where it plays a part in religious and cultural celebrations. The ancient Indians even figured out that cooking cannabis in ghee (clarified butter) helps to bring out its psychoactive properties.

Medieval Treats: Majoun and More

Majoun in North Africa: Fast forward to the 11th century, and you’ll find the Berber tribes of North Africa enjoying majoun. This cannabis jam is made from a mix of cannabis extract, honey, nuts, and sometimes dates and figs. Majoun was a popular treat both socially and spiritually.

Cannabis in China: Some historians believe that ancient Chinese people were making cannabis-infused tea as far back as the 15th century BCE. This shows just how widespread the use of cannabis in food and drink was even in ancient times.

Renaissance and Beyond: Europe’s Cannabis Cuisine

Europe: The first mention of cannabis edibles in Europe comes from a 1465 cookbook by Bartolomeo Platina. This cookbook, titled "De honesta voluptate et valetudine," included references to cannabis-infused foods.

Alice B. Toklas and Hashish Fudge: Jumping to the mid-20th century, we meet Alice B. Toklas, who became famous for her "Hashish Fudge" recipe in her 1954 cookbook. This recipe was a big hit in the 1960s counterculture, even though it was left out of the first American editions of her book.

Pot Brownies and Modern Edibles

The Birth of Pot Brownies: The 1960s and 70s saw the rise of the iconic pot brownie, thanks in part to Mary Jane Rathbun, better known as “Brownie Mary.” She started baking and selling pot brownies to help AIDS patients in San Francisco. Her efforts played a significant role in the medical cannabis movement.

Today’s Edible Innovations

Nowadays, cannabis edibles are more popular and diverse than ever. Advances in extraction technology mean we can infuse cannabis into almost any food without changing its taste. This has opened up a whole new world of culinary possibilities. (Book an infused dinner event or class)

Legalization and Popularity: In the U.S., states that have legalized cannabis have seen a boom in edible sales. In Canada, cannabis-infused food products were legalized in 2018, although there are still some regulatory hurdles to overcome.

Conclusion

Cannabis edibles have come a long way from their ancient beginnings. From bhang in India and majoun in North Africa to Alice B. Toklas’ Hashish Fudge and today’s gourmet creations,(Dine with Roilty) these tasty treats have been a part of human history for centuries. Whether you’re enjoying a pot brownie or a cannabis-infused gourmet dish, you’re partaking in a tradition that’s as old as civilization itself. Enjoy the journey and the flavors!

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